By Judy Thorburn This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - Las Vegas Round The Clock Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - The Flick ChicksDirector of Communications - Nevada Film Alliancehttp://www.theflickchicks.com

The Range 702, the largest indoor shooting facility in Nevada, recently opened on 4699 Dean Martin Drive, offering patrons the opportunity to experience the ultimate shooting adventure in a safe and controlled atmosphere.

The Range 702Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Located in a 55,000 square foot shooting range, The Range 702 houses 25 shooting lanes that incorporates the latest advancements, equipment and technology in the firearms industry, a spectacular VIP room with seven private lanes and the state-of-the-art PRISim system that produces exceptionally realistic video based environments for all aspects of firearm handling including self defense, marksmanship, decision making and tactical strategies.

The Range 702 offers a full line of guns to rent and use, from the classic Sub-Machine Gun to the newest Ruger, Kimber, Glock, Springfield, Colt, Smith & Wesson, Walther and many others. Gunsmithing services include maintenance, repairs and custom enhancements. A spacious retail center store provides customers with all the latest guns, accessories, clothing and ammunition.

RiflesPhoto credit: Stephen Thorburn

ClothingPhoto credit: Stephen Thorburn

Clothing and gearPhoto credit: Stephen Thorburn

Hand gunsPhoto credit: Stephen Thorburn

In addition, experts are on hand providing guests a safe, educational and controlled environment to learn about gun safety, gun use, situational awareness and much more. A few of the firearms safety and training classes include: State of Nevada Concealed Firearms Permit (CCW); Multiple NRA Course; Basic through Advanced Defensive Pistol; Variety of Women’s Classes; and Hunter’s Safety.

During a recent visit to the facility, my husband and I sat in on a class in which Training Director/Instructor/Handgun Combat Master Jeff Hall, a retired Alaskan state trooper and military veteran who served in Saudi Arabia, talked about self protection, the rules of gun safety and responsible gun ownership. Because you are equipped doesn't mean you are armed. It is imperative to know how to use a loaded weapon and the very informative class offered valuable information that everyone should know if purchasing and owning a firearm for self defense.

Instructor Jeff HallPhoto credit: Stephen Thorburn

The 4 rules of gun safetyPhoto credit: Stephen Thorburn

Personal instructionPhoto credit: Stephen Thorburn

With pricing from $39.95 to $449.95 The Range 702 offers a variety of shooting packages for those with all levels of experience.

As an extra amenity, The Range 702 also houses Gary’s Café, featuring a complete food menu to satisfy any customer's appetite.

The Range 702 is open daily from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Carlos Santana Commemorative Guitar Sculpture Unveiled at House Of Blues

Wednesday afternoon, January 16, a commemorative 13 foot guitar sculpture was unveiled in front of the House of Blues Las Vegas inside Mandalay Bar Resort & Casino, to mark Santana's kick off of his 2013 residency for “An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live - Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow."

"The unveiling also honors the 20th anniversary celebration of the House of Blues brand.

The sculpture is the creation of cutting-edge American artist Dale Evers, one of the most innovative and established sculptor/designers of centerpiece art. Recognized as a pioneer in the art field with his ability to mix mediums at a unique and sophisticated level, Evers has created this custom piece - a steel, glass and bronze replica of a PRS SANTANA signature guitar. Titled "Wings of Legend," it represents the tens of millions of guitars that have become an intrinsic part of American pop-culture and pays homage to the artistry of Santana and his relationship with PRS guitars.

The sculpture unveiling created a discussion of the instrument needs in local Las Vegas schools and prompted Hermes Music Foundation, along with the International House of Blues Foundation's Action for the Arts program (IHOBF), to donate 200 guitars to local schools and programs.

One of the donation recipients, Fremont Middle School, was on hand with their student Mariachi band. They performed several songs during the event.

Along with Carlos Santana and sculptor Dale Evers, those in attendance were Paul Reed Smith, PRS Guitars; Gregory Morrison, Director of Hermes Music U.S.; Andrew Economon, General Manager, House of Blues Las Vegas; Students from benefiting schools including Fremont Middle School, Girls Rock Vegas, After School All-Stars and Hollywood Recreation Center

The Fighters Only World Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Awards took place inside The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Friday, Jan. 11. The show was once again hosted by UFC fighter Chael Sonnen and Molly Qerim and included performances by Las Vegas rockers OTHERWISE and the critically-acclaimed, acro-cabaret variety show ABSINTHE. Awards were given out from more than 21 categories celebrating all that is the sport of MMA.

Awards and recipients included Fighter of the Year- Jon Jones, Female Fighter of the Year -Ronda Rousey, Knockout of the Year- Edson Barboza, Comeback of the Year- Frank Mir and Fight of the Year- Jamie Varner vs. Joe Jauzon.

Celebrity fans including television host Jerry Springer, Oscar-nominated actor Eric Roberts, “Homeland’s” Navid Negahban, Steven Seagal, Sisqo, Chumlee of HISTORY’s Pawn Stars, reality star Coco and “Dancing with the Stars’” Derek Hough, Mark Ballas and Lacey Schwimmer, also showed their support by attending and presenting awards alongside industry leaders. Fans and winners then celebrated with an after party at Vinyl.

The awards show were the result from fans across the globe the opportunity who cast their vote in 21 categories on which athletes, brands and industry professionals have made the greatest impact on the sport over the previous 12 months.

The Fighters Only World Mixed Martial Arts Awards premiered nationally on Sunday, Jan. 20 at 9 p.m. on FOX Sports, with additional re-airing on FUEL TV.

Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Celebrates Chinese New Year with Vibrant New Display

In celebration of the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Snake (the sixth animal in the Asian zodiac) Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens invites guests to enjoy a new display featuring alluring and vibrant floral creations rich in Chinese tradition now through March 3.

The design of the Conservatory’s tranquil temple is guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui – the art of using surroundings to attract harmony, balance and positive life energy. Each garden within the Chinese New Year display encompasses water, ensuring a positive flow of energy; and the three friends of winter – pine, bamboo and plum, symbolizing perseverance, integrity and modesty, respectively.

Photo courtesy of the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Photo courtesy of the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Photo courtesy of the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

At the entrance of the Conservatory, an 18-foot-tall custom-made Chinese money tree symbolizes prosperity, good fortune and nobility. The bold centerpiece flourishes with 384 oversized gold-leafed coins on its branches as mounds of I-Ching coins, a traditional Chinese symbol for money, surround the base of the lucky tree. At the garden’s edge, two ding pots, ancestral vessels that protect again bad fortune, burn incense from their peaks for good luck.

Nearby, a nine-foot-tall friendly King Cobra snake covered in 5,000 blue and yellow luminescent scales is perched atop a mound of gold coins, protecting wealth and good fortune for the upcoming year. Steps away, a waterfall gushes over Taihu rocks believed to encourage circulation of ch’i, or natural energy.

Another stunning display within the exhibit is a 35-foot, 3,000 lb Chinese Junk Boat created from teak, mahogany and cedar, with a 38-foot mast inspired by traditional 15th century fishing vessels, that floats in a pond filled with more than 200 Koi fish.

Six “lucky” children, each embellished in 1,800 flowers including carnations, spider mums and Fuji mums, play and dance near the Chinese-style pavilion as oversized firecrackers hang above. A zig-zag bridge extends from both sides of the peaceful pavilion, providing a difficult route for negative energy and bad spirits.

On view through March 3, the Chinese New Year exhibit within Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is FREE to the public and open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:

On January 17, Hyde Bellagio launched “VINO THURSDAYS” – a series of complimentary wine tastings held one Thursday every month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Strip-side hot spot invites guests to enjoy the spectacular view of The Fountains of Bellagio as they sip an array of celebrated wines and champagnes from across the globe. Vino Thursdays will return to Hyde Bellagio for its second monthly event at 7 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, offering a unique date-night experience at one of the most romantic locations in Las Vegas. Future dates TBA. Guests must be 21+.

AMC THEATRES, the nation's second-largest theater chain, has taken over ownership of Rave Motion Pictures, the multiplex at Town Square, 6587 Las Vegas Blvd. South. AMC bought the 18-screen Town Square location earlier this month.

COMEDIENNE KATHLEEN DUNBAR is the featured headliner at Sin City Comedy from January 21-27.Sin City Comedy performs nightly at 9 p.m. at the Sin City Theater, located on The Mezz at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Tickets are priced at $48.50 and $37.50

TRIBUTE ROYALTY has opened at V Theater inside Planet Hollywood. The production is a captivating, high-energy concert phenomenon that captures the essence of the Kings and Queens of the music industry, through amazing re-creations, accompanied by the best dancers from around the world. Tribute Royalty performs daily at 4 PM (dark on Sundays) inside V Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.

One of the most distinctive and inventive bands of the alternative era, BEN FOLDS FIVE will perform at the Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort in support of their new album The Sound Of The Life Of The Mind on January 25, 2013 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $34, plus additional service fees.

RECYCLED PERCUSSION makes its debut at The Quad Resort & Casino, Jan. 26. The show will perform nightly at 7 p.m. (dark Fridays) as part of its new residency at The Showroom at The Quad. Produced by David Saxe, the new Recycled Percussion show promises to be the most impressive yet with an unprecedented combination of extreme percussion, engaging humor and extraordinary athleticism. Recycled Percussion will perform at The Quad Saturday through Thursday (dark Friday) at 7 p.m. Tickets are $65.98 and $76.98 (plus taxes and fees).

NIGHT SCHOOL 4 GIRLS has debuted at its new home at the Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip. The 70-minute class teaches students sexy moves, the art of sensuality, pole dancing tricks and a burlesque routine, complete with chairs and feather boas. Instructors are none other than real Vegas showgirls, who headline in sexy shows such as FANTASY and Jubilee!

Night School 4 Girls takes place at the Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip weekend afternoons. Tickets start at $39 for general admission, with specialty packages available. For a limited time only, locals receive a special opening ticket price of $20 for general admission (code: Locals). Ages 21 and up. The fun and frisky class will be featured on the hit Bravo show “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” Jan. 28 and Feb. 4, with television personality and fashion model Brandi Glanville serving as the special Night School 4 Girls guest host.

NEVADA PUBLIC RADIO listeners have a unique opportunity to support public radio while enjoying “SOUL2SOUL” starring country music superstars TIM MCGRAW AND FAITH HILL, at The Venetian Las Vegas. A limited number of specially priced tickets are available for the Friday, February 1 and Saturday, February 2, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. performances. Ticket prices are $250 for Orchestra seating (normally $305) and $200 for Parterre (normally $263), with 100 percent of the purchase price benefitting Nevada Public Radio. Tickets must be purchased through Nevada Public Radio, picked up at will-call and may not be resold. To purchase tickets, visit www.knpr.org, www.classical897.org or call 702.258.9895 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Weekdays.

CABO WABO CANTINA inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will host the ultimate BIG GAME TAILGATE PARTY for football fanatics on Sunday, Feb. 3. Fans will fuel up for all of the game day action with a delicious buffet and all-you-can-drink package including house margaritas, select draft beers, wine and wells. For the complete tailgating experience, guests may upgrade to a full open bar for an additional $50 per person. Tickets are on sale for $100 per person.

On February 4, TRAVIS CLOER (who currently stars as Frankie Valli in JERSEY BOYS) will bring his talents to The Smith Center’s Cabaret Jazz for one night only. His performance titled “Setting the Standard” will feature an evening of Broadway favorites, Jazz, R&B, Pop and his own personal creations. The evening will showcase Cloer’s range of versatility and vocal stylings. Ticket prices are $25 and $35.

The highly-anticipated, world’s first NOBU HOTEL at Caesars Palace Las Vegas is set to open and welcome its first guests on Feb. 4, 2013. A masterful collaboration between Caesars Palace, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Nobu Hospitality primary shareholders, actor Robert De Niro and Hollywood film producer Meir Teper, the 181-room boutique hotel, along with a 12,775 square foot Nobu Restaurant and Lounge – the largest Nobu restaurant worldwide and the first on the famed Strip - will bring a new level of luxury, culture, sophistication and great cuisine to Las Vegas.

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG has opened a Las Vegas boutique in the Forum Shops of Caesars Palace. The 2,000 square foot boutique is the latest adaptation of the new DVF STORE CONCERT, developed by Kramer Design Group. The shop offers the full range of Diane von Furstenburg ready-to-wear line, including dresses, sportswear, eveningwear, DVF 1974 and a broad selection of accessories including handbags, shoes, belts and sunglasses.

UNLV music faculty Stephen Caplan, oboe; Timothy Hoft, piano; and Janis McKay, bassoon present A RECITAL at 7:30pm on Monday, February 4 in the Doc Rando Recital Hall. The program includes: "Trio #2 for Oboe, Bassoon, and Piano" by Bill Douglas Commissioned by Caplan and McKay as part of a consortium and contains a variety of jazz elements including a "Bebop Waltz"; Henry Cowell "Three Chorales with Ostinati" for oboe and piano; Andy Warhol Sez:" by Paul Moravec for bassoon and piano which will include visual media, and Jean Francaix "Trio for Oboe, Bassoon, and Piano". Admission is FREE.

Popular Las Vegas classic rock cover band CROSSFIRE will perform at a special event at Sam’s Town Live! benefitting THE POLICE UNITY TOUR on Friday, February 8. The Police Unity Tour is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty through an annual bike ride.Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door starting at 7 p.m. the night of the show. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Police Unity Tour.

The second annual CHINESE NEW YEAR IN THE DESERT festival will take place in Downtown Las Vegas from Feb. 8 – 10. Chinese New Year is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is known as "Spring Festival" in China, “Tet New Year” in Vietnamese and “Seol-lal” in Korean. Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman will kick-off the three-day festival during the opening ceremonies Friday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. on the 3rd Street Stage, which will feature a live authentic dragon dance by the Las Vegas Lohan School of Shaolin. Throughout the weekend guests will also experience live International Cultural Performances; taste authentic dishes from around the world in the International Vendor Village; watch contestants compete for the chance to be crowned Miss Asian American Pacific Islander USA which will include a Macy*s Fashion Show, Talent Show and interview segment; view stunning parade floats in the McDonald’s Las Vegas Spring Festival Parade; and create their own lantern to display on Fremont Street Experience to commemorate the Lunar Lantern Festival.

Two chefs. Two unlikely friends. Two very different careers and philosophies sharing one stage. GOOD VS. EVIL: AN EVENING WITH ANTHONY BOURDAIN AND ERIC RIPERT makes a stop at the Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort on February 9, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $59, plus additional service fees. A limited number of VIP tickets will be available, which includes premier seating; access to an exclusive meet-and-greet session with Bourdain and Ripert following the show; complimentary hors d’oeuvres from Palms’ dining destinations N9NE Steakhouse, Heraea, the new American grille concept from The ONE Group and Simon Restaurant & Lounge at Palms Place; a VIP tour laminate and a limited edition poster.

ROCKHOUSE, the ultra-dive bar, located inside The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino will throw a 'Rock You Like a Hurricane' Mardi Gras celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 12. Fat Tuesday partygoers are invited to enjoy delicious Hurricane cocktails, priced at $5, all day long.

Critically acclaimed, award-winning Chef Angelo Sosa has opened POPPY DEN, his first restaurant in Las Vegas located in Tivoli Village. The menu features Asian influences, authentic flavors and handpicked ingredients. Also making its debut on the second story of the restaurant, is “THE DEN”, a casual and intoxicating environment with its own vibe, open Wednesday – Thursday from 5 p.m. – midnight and Friday – Saturday from 5 p.m. – 2 a.m. Additionally, every Friday and Saturday starting at 7 p.m. Poppy Den will host late night in “The Den” where guests can indulge in cocktails and live music from a DJ. Late Night in “The Den” is currently featuring DJ KYD WICKED.

KOKOMO'S at The Mirage is closed. The space will become TOM COLICCHIO’S HERITAGE STEAK, a new restaurant by the renowned New York chef, focusing on meats prepared entirely over an open flame – from wood-burning ovens to charcoal grills. The restaurant is slated to open summer 2013.

Celebrity Sightings:

Thursday night,Jan. 17...

TAO Nightclub hosted the Official AVN Awards Pre-Party with The Wicked Girls including Alektra Blue, Jessica Drake, Kaylani Lei and Samantha Saint. The group took in the club scene and enjoyed the sounds of special guest DJ Chuckie, known for his Dirty Dutch style.

The Wicked GirlsPhoto Credit: Powers Imagery

DJ ChuckiePhoto Credit: Powers Imagery

Friday night, Jan. 18...

In town for the 30th annual AVN Awards, the sultry Vivid Entertainment Girls Kristina Rose, Monique Alexander and Club Sandy, hosted the official AVN Vivid Party at PURE Nightclub. Also spotted partying at PURE Nightclub was Dallas Cowboys’ safety Gerald Sensabaugh and cornerback Morris Claiborne with a large entourage consisting of friends and family.

Top adult film starlets, Inari Vachs and Devon Michaels, kicked off the 2013 Adult Entertainment Expo as the host of Crazy Horse III's 'Pornstar Takeover 2'. The ladies were joined by fellow adult actresses, Tabitha Stevens, Kendra Lust, Jenny Hendrix and Shay Fox.

Adult entertainment star and breakout pop artist Lupe Fuentes and her band The Ex-Girlfriends took over LAX Nightclub inside Luxor Hotel and Casino celebrating their first Las Vegas appearance as a group. The sexy Internet sensations were accompanied by actor and musician Evan “Spyder Jonez” Seinfeld and DJ Chris Garcia. At 1 a.m. all the attention was focused on the main stage as DJ Brisk spun the band’s first, newly released single “We Are The Party.”

Jamaican singer Sean Paul hosted the evening at TAO with sounds by DJ Mauricio. He was joined by a group of friends including magician Criss Angel. Shortly after treating the crowd to an impromptu performance of some of his hit songs Sean was surprised with a three-tier cake topped with a gold chain in celebration of his 40th birthday earlier in month.

Also at TAO, Chicago Bears player Julius Peppers was spotted at a VIP table, celebrating his 33rd birthday with friends.Elvis Dumervil of the Denver Broncos also spent his night partying with a small group at a VIP table.

Earlier in the evening, actor and comedian Pauly Shore dined at TAO Asian Bistro with a friend.

At Marquee Nightclub, singer Jay Sean was spotted with a large group of friends at a set of VIP booths in the club’s main room.

Thursday at TAO...

Dallas Cowboys players Morris Claiborne and Gerald Sensabaugh were spotted partying together with friends at a VIP table on the dance floor.

PURE Nightclub inside Caesars Palace hosted the official Penthouse® party with special guests the 2013 Pet of the Year® Nicole Aniston and adult entertainment bombshells Nikki Benz and the 2012 Pet of the Month Adrianna Luna.

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We, at Las Vegas Round the Clock, are deeply saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred in our city on Sunday evening, October 1 and send our deepest condolences, healing prayers and love to the victims, their families, and all those affected by the tragedy.